Aston Villa vs. Manchester United: 5 Things Both Teams Learned

So Manchester United are over the Carling Cup. But when will the performances improve?

United defeated Aston Villa 1-0 on Saturday at Villa Park to bounce back from their shocking loss to Crystal Palace in a midweek cup tie. But even though United dominated their hosts for the full 90 minutes, there's little doubt the match will be remembered more for its dullness and the high number of injuries suffered by both teams.

Think about it: United held the ball for more than 60 percent of the first half. They created 14 total shots, with four hitting the target. They controlled the match almost from start to finish.

But they only scored once, and Aston Villa had chances to tie the match in the second half.

That was never likely to happen, but against a more efficient opponent, United might have drawn—or even lost—this match.

With the gap between United and Manchester City already standing at five points—and with Tottenham Hotspur surging behind them—Sir Alex Ferguson's men can hardly afford to drop points.

It didn't happen Saturday. But considering United's dominance, a draw never should have been even a remote possibility.

Manchester United: Phil Jones Keeps Getting Better

So, Phil Jones can play midfield. We already knew he could play defense.

And now, apparently, he can score, too, because his volleyed match-winner against Villa was top class.

Of course, he was completely unmarked, but his technique was still perfect.

With that goal, Jones underlined his growing value to Manchester United. At only 19 years old, Jones is proving himself as an integral part of Sir Alex Ferguson's plans.

And the best part is that he's still just 19. When Jones scored, you could see a smile of genuine happiness creeping across Ferguson's face.

Was that because he was relieved to see his team score after losing Chicharito to injury? Or was it because he really likes Jones?

It really might be the latter, and it would be hard to blame Fergie.

Jones is quite the young player.

Aston Villa: The Midfield Really Needs Petrov

Stiliyan Petrov started on the bench for Villa and entered in the 59th minute.

Simply put, while their Bulgarian captain was on the bench, Villa were horrible.

The midfield was completely overrun. United's players had as much time and space as they wanted in the midfield. Darren Bent received literally no service for several minutes at a time.

When Petrov finally did enter the match, he didn't magically make everything fine. But he did make it better.

And it was no coincidence that Villa played their best football with the Bulgarian in the middle of the pitch.

At 32, Petrov is already past his prime, and he missed time Saturday because of a recurring injury. While it's far from time to part ways with Petrov, Villa really need to start thinking about a replacement for their influential midfielder.

Manchester United: Ashley Young's Return Wasn't a Big Deal

Saturday served as a sort of homecoming for Ashley Young, who played four seasons at Villa Park.

On his return, the first-year Manchester United man heard a few boos, played a so-so game and went off for a sub in the second half.

It was kind of underwhelming, which is kind of how his first season has gone with Manchester United.

Young played well in his first few matches and scored two great goals against Arsenal in the famous 8-2 rout.

Other than that, he’s been just okay.

Just like he was Saturday.

Aston Villa: Emile Heskey Is Still Useless

Emile Heskey replaced the injured Jermaine Jenas in the 64th minute. When he came on, that made 500 appearances for him in England's top flight.

That fact raised a serious question: How is it possible that Emile Heskey has made 500 top-flight appearances?

Heskey, as usual, was utterly useless. He headed a clear chance way wide when unmarked at the far post. He dribbled himself into circles. When he actually completed passes, they were all negative.

And in the 90th minute, he capped it with a laughable shot that started just outside the middle of United's box and ended up out in the touchline for a throw-in.

It was hilarious. And sad.

Manchester United: The Defense Played Well

Here's an interesting fact: Through seven away matches, United have allowed three goals.

That strong run continued Saturday with a clean sheet for the defense and second-string goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard.

Aston Villa created little over the 90 minutes, and while they had a few chances to grab a shocking equalizer, the hosts never really looked dangerous.

That's a credit to United's defense, which has been monstrous on the team's travels.

Not surprisingly, United are unbeaten on the road and have earned 17 points out of a possible 21.

That will have to continue if United want to keep up with their noisy neighbors.

Aston Villa: There's Something Rotten at Villa Park

What's up with the Villa Park pitch?

First, Chicharito was stretchered off with an injury in the 12th minute. That's early, but consider this: He was lying on the pitch for a full six minutes before the stretcher gang took him away.

If you watched the match, you already know that Chicharito didn't get hurt because someone fouled him. Nope, he was completely untouched.

There was no word on Chicharito's injury immediately after the match, but it appeared serious enough for the Mexican international to miss significant time.

In addition to Chicharito, both teams had other players injured. Villa goalkeeper Shay Given and midfielder Jermaine Jenas were both hurt—and both were likewise untouched. And United's Rio Ferdinand left the match in the 64th minute with an apparent injury as well.

That's four players—two from each team. Villa need to take a look at their pitch.

Manchester United: The Offense Is a Concern

Remember when Manchester United had an unstoppable offense?

After that epic 8-2 beatdown of Arsenal back in August, United were flying high with a well-oiled offense.

Now, though, it's quite different.

Through 14 matches, United have scored 31 goals. Arsenal, by comparison, have scored 30.

Chelsea are equal with United on goals scored at 31, while Spurs are right behind at 29.

United are still averaging more than two goals per match, and they've managed to score in every league contest of the season, but the goals are drying up.

Consider this: United have scored only one goal in each of their last seven league matches. Sir Alex Ferguson's team has won four, drawn two and lost only one of those seven games, but that kind of record can't continue if the goals don't start flowing.

That will be even more true if Chicharito misses serious time through injury.

United have ridden their luck over the last seven matches. How long can they keep it up?

Aston Villa: They Just Can't Compete

Aston Villa are a cut above most of the chasing pack in the English Premier League. They'll easily finish above the likes of Norwich and Swansea, and they won't be drawn into a relegation battle.

But neither is Alex McLeish's team good enough to challenge the Big 6 of Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool.

There were a few bright spots Saturday. Marc Albrighton returned to the starting lineup and made a few dazzling dribbles. The defense did well with what the midfield gave them.

But that's never going to be enough to challenge United, City and the rest.

In short, Villa are Newcastle, only without the latter's strong start to the season.

Both Teams: Villa Just Can't Beat United

The last time Aston Villa defeated Manchester United at Villa Park in the English Premier League, Bill Clinton was the President of the United States, David James was a Villa player and the Smashing Pumpkins were one of the biggest bands in the world.

The year was 1995. Aston Villa beat Manchester United 3-1 on the opening day of the 1995-96 season.

Since then, Villa has beaten United twice: 3-0 in a 1999 league cup match, and 1-0 at Old Trafford in a 2009 league match.

That's it.

On Saturday's evidence, Villa aren't going to turn it around any time soon.